Chaco Inc., the maker of high-end flip-flops and sport sandals, is moving its manufacturing to China from the Western Slope community of Paonia.
The move will result in 35 to 45 lost jobs, according to Deana Sheriff, executive director of Delta Area Development Inc., a county economic development agency.
“It’s a big deal,” Sheriff said. “There’s a lot of concern because there are a limited number of businesses in Paonia.”
The production move, an effort to reduce costs, is scheduled to be completed by next summer. Chaco will continue to operate its headquarters in Paonia, including customer service, marketing and other functions. About 80 to 90 employees will remain with those departments.
“We’re grateful that the business is not entirely shutting down,” Sheriff said. “But it’s always in the back of our minds that it could go away.”
Chaco officials did not return phone calls for comment.
The sandals typically sell at prices of $50 to about $100.
Steve Raabe: 303-954-1948 or sraabe@denverpost.com
